Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Findlay, OH

Depending on the home, wastewater either goes into a septic tank and seeps back into the backyard or is sent via sewer system to a local sewage-treatment plant. Septic systems naturally separate different components of the waste so that it can naturally and safely disperse it. They are usually reserved for homes not served by a municipal sewage department (like rural homes). A treatment plant, on the other hand, speeds up that process through screening and purification.

The cost to unclog a drain varies based on the location and severity of the clog. For simple clogs within your home, such as in a sink, toilet, or shower, hiring a plumber typically costs between $110 and $350, with an average of around $200. Snaking a toilet or sink usually costs between $110 and $275, while a bathtub or shower clog costs about $225.

For a more serious clog in the main sewer line, the cost is higher. Clearing a main line clog generally costs between $200 and $600, with an average of about $380. However, prices can range from as low as $100 for snaking a minor clog to over $1,600, particularly if advanced methods like video inspection and hydrojetting are needed for a large or hard-to-reach blockage. Some severe main line clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear depending on factors like the cause of the clog, its distance from an accessible cleanout, and whether the pipe is located beneath an occupied space (e.g., in an apartment building). You may be able to save money on minor clogs by using a drain snake or bladder yourself.

There are several homemade solutions for clearing a clogged sink that don’t involve pouring harsh chemicals down your drain. Start by pouring hot (but not boiling) water down the drain. This can help dissolve and flush away grease and gunk. A splash of dish soap down the drain can also cut through fat and make it easier to clear the drain. For a more stubborn blockage, grab a plunger and give it a few firm pumps to dislodge the clog.

One way to save money on sewer lines is to install a sewer cleanout since it makes sewer line maintenance easier. Keeping up with maintenance is key to reducing the cost of repairs, so be sure to schedule annual plumbing inspections, install drain guards to stop objects from accidentally falling down drains, and only flush human waste and toilet paper to protect your pipes.